I have made these out of 5 star ratings based upon the amount of years I have been involved with audio and media production, as someone with a four year college degree, and fewer than five years professional experience, is the demographic I put myself in.
Below is I how would rate myself in each category compared to other individuals with the same educational and professional experience.
Audio Editing ★★★★
I have been editing audio files, clips and tracks, since beginning my educational training. Since most of our early courses were Digital Audio workstation based, I have honed my skills with such techniques like trimming, splicing at desired points in an audio clip, creating fades, crossfading clips together for smooth transitions, and beat and tempo based editing. I believe these skills and understanding of the techniques can be applied to many forms of audio production. Most audio software packages root back to the same basic principles, but I have had experience with Pro Tools, Adobe Audition, Logic Pro, Garage Band, and Audacity.
Mixing ★★★
Mixing sound and audio is another aspect of audio production that I have been doing since the early days of my education, even if the project wasn’t based solely on mixing, such as focusing on another aspect of audio production, it was agreed upon that everything would be mixed correctly. Meaning no instances of “clipping”, good dynamic range, stereo image, headroom, and the correct balance of tracks. Additionally, various signal processors may need to be utilized in which I have experience with different types of Dynamics, EQ, and Time-Based processors.
Recording ★★★
My recording experience involves recording voice-overs, various instruments, field recording with sound effects and dialogue, and ambient tracks. I have been involved with projects in both my educational experience and professionally participating in the whole process of recording different types of ensembles, talent, and objects. I have done single-mic recording, multi-track recording, both in studio and on location, such as in auditoriums, or recording voice-overs on site.
Microphone Techniques ★★
I have set up microphones to recorded vocals, instruments, amps, dialogue, and ambience. I understand the different types of microphones available, and the different applications, such as when to use an omnidirectional or cardioid microphone for example or when to use a condenser or dynamic microphone. I also know the correct placement, proximity to use when micing certain vocal applications, and various instruments.
Visual Production ★★
For visual production, I have included my experiences in both still frame and moving picture recording. I have been trained and have experience using consumer DSLR cameras, and continue to do so as a hobby. I have operated cameras for conference, interview, panel, and lecture style settings. I understand framing shots for video and photo, and ISO settings, shutter speed, focal length, and white balancing.
Post-Production ★★★
I relate post-production primarily to video editing, but also combining audio and video to a final product, as well as Photoshop. I have experience with video editing and the importance of continuity and story telling, as well as viewing projects from the viewer’s perspective. I also relate this to using the correct and best sounding audio for each shot, and bridging the relationship between the two. I also include Photoshop in this section, as I would consider this my strongest aspect of post-production techniques.
Live Events ★★★★
I have worked in many settings that hold live events. I have been an in-room technician for many different types of events including weddings, mitzvahs, holiday parties, meetings, lectures, presentations, etc. I have a calm demeanor when these events are running no matter what my role in a show or event may be. I am confident in running audio, some camera work, video switching, and lighting.
Troubleshooting ★★
I believe the best troubleshooters are the ones who don’t have to do it, because they have taken the necessary steps to prevent problems. However, I believe it is important to have a contingency plan in place to make sure the problem can be solved quickly. I have encountered situations when microphones, projectors, computers, systems have gone done, and believe it is important to remain calm in addressing the problem as quickly as possible.
Customer/Client Relations ★★★★
Since finishing my courses in school, I have almost exclusively worked in fields where there was a high level of customer and or client relations. I have a calm approachable personality that I believe most people enjoy when requesting something, or help addressing a problem. I have worked with many different types of clients in audiovisual and customer service settings, such as doctors, lawyers, CEOs, VPs, department chairs, judges, professors, headmasters, deans, laureates, and related fields.
PC/Mac Operation ★★★
Personally I am not an exclusive user of either platform, which has allowed me to understand both systems easily when needing to troubleshoot or set up one or the other for a presentation for example. I have a familiarity with Microsoft Office programs Word, PowerPoint and Excel. I can install/uninstall programs on both systems, and connect to networks. I believe I have solid foundation to address any below-substantial problems that may occur on these operating systems.
Jim Jay Sound 